The History of the Breeders Cup

The Breeders Cup history is relatively short with its first running in 1984 and in 2008 it made a new step forward as for the first time it had 11 races spread out over two days and they are run on a Friday and Saturday.

The history of the Breeders' Cup can be put down to a number of US racing leaders with one key member John Gaines who thought it would be a good idea to set up the Breeders Cup Races to promote the sport, and act as a showcase and finale to the racing season, with a multimillion dollar total purse.

The very first Breeders' Cup took place on November 10, 1984 at Hollywood Park, California. The Breeders Cup day has become everything to the US Horse Racing season with everything building up to it much like the Cheltenham Festival in England.

The Breeders Cup was created as a year-end championship for North American thoroughbred racing, and today because of the fantastic prize money which is now getting close to the $20 million mark attracts the best from all round the World.